| abstract |
Apparatus, systems, methods, and kits are provided for isolating a target lung segment and treating that segment, usually by drug delivery or lavage. The systems include at least a lobar or sub-lobar isolation catheter (80) which is introduced beyond a second lung bifurcation (i.e., beyond the first bifurcation in a lobe of the lung) and which can occlude a bronchial passage at that point. An inner catheter (10) is usually introduced through the isolation catheter (80) and used in cooperation with the isolation catheter (80) for delivering and/or removing drugs or washing liquids from the isolated lung region. Optionally, the inner catheter (10) will also have an occluding member (18) near its distal end for further isolation of a target region within the lung. |